Christopher Askew

Christopher Askew is a Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), School of Health. He leads the VasoActive research group and serves as Director of the Integrated Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Research Program in collaboration with the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service. Additionally, he leads the Healthy Ageing Research Cluster and Cancer Research Cluster at UniSC.

His educational background includes:

• BAppSci in Exercise Science from RMIT University
• Honours in Clinical Exercise Physiology from RMIT University
• PhD in Exercise and Vascular Disease from Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Professor Askew specializes in age-related cardiovascular conditions, with expertise in peripheral artery disease (PAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm. His research examines exercise rehabilitation, dietary, and pharmacological interventions to improve exercise capacity, cognitive performance, and vascular function in chronic disease and ageing populations. Key focus areas include vascular function, exercise testing, and muscle fatigue mechanisms.

He actively mentors postgraduate students and leads major funded projects:

• Foot-PAD trial: Home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation for PAD
• Saving legs and lives trial: Post-surgical cardiovascular rehabilitation referral
• SHAPE trial: Supervised home-based exercise therapy for PAD (with JCU)
• MERIT trial: Metformin for abdominal aortic aneurysm (with JCU)
• Community-based cardiovascular rehabilitation accessibility initiatives

The VasoActive research group, under his direction, integrates exercise physiology, cardiology, vascular surgery, nursing, psychology, and nutrition expertise through partnerships with the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.